Vandalized SUVs to replace Thibodaux Police cars

Published: Friday, May 6, 2011 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 6, 2011 at 11:26 p.m.

THIBODAUX — Thirty-four tires on 11 new Chevrolet Tahoes parked at the Thibodaux Police headquarters were slashed early Thursday morning, delaying the department’s efforts to upgrade its cruiser fleet.

The black SUVs, which were purchased Tuesday, were to become police cruisers by the middle of next week, authorities said. The Tahoes were going to replace some of the department’s Ford Crown Victorias, the traditional cruiser for police agencies nationwide, Police Chief Scott Silverii said.

But Ford is no longer making Crown Victorias, and police agencies are now considering other options for patrol cars.

The tires were slashed sometime between 3:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., authorities have said. Police had no suspects as of Friday afternoon and had not determined if one person or a group slashed the tires.

Investigators are still analyzing evidence taken from the scene, including fingerprints, authorities said. The portion of the lot where the SUVs were parked had no camera, but police are also examining video footage from other parts of the lot.

“The Crown Vic has been the standard since the 1950s,” Silverii said.

The black Tahoes cost $25,243 each and were purchased through a state contract with Gerry Lane Chevrolet in Baton Rouge, Silverii said. The department is seeking to purchase new tires from local dealerships.

The estimated replacement cost for the tires is $4,117. The SUVs will be deployed once the tires are replaced, but a firm date has not been established.

Companies offer “police packages” for cars intended to be used as cruisers, said detective Ricky Ross, the department’s spokesman.

“It’s made to run a lot and handle well,” he said of the Tahoe. “It’s easy to install lights, the suspension is different and the cooling system is heavier.”

Silverii said the added storage room is a major attraction.

“For 12 hours a day, it’s their workspace,” he said. “It gives these guys more space.”

State Police are also using Tahoes.

“We are outgrowing cars,” said Master Trooper Bryan Zeringue, spokesman for Troop C. “We have started putting computers, printers, plus the gear we have to carry in cars. You need that extra room.”

Silverii said some of the cruisers in the department’s 34-car fleet have more than 100,000 miles on them.

Cruisers “are the workhorse of the police department,” he said. “We made a commitment to refurbish the fleet. Our hope is that these will help bring us up to par.”

Once caught, the vandals face a charge of criminal damage to property and jail time of up to two years.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-743-7433 or Sgt. Bradley Trosclair at 446-5021.

Staff Writer Nate Monroe can be reached at 448-7639 or at nate.monroe@dailycomet.com.

<p>THIBODAUX — Thirty-four tires on 11 new Chevrolet Tahoes parked at the Thibodaux Police headquarters were slashed early Thursday morning, delaying the department's efforts to upgrade its cruiser fleet.</p><p>The black SUVs, which were purchased Tuesday, were to become police cruisers by the middle of next week, authorities said. The Tahoes were going to replace some of the department's Ford Crown Victorias, the traditional cruiser for police agencies nationwide, Police Chief Scott Silverii said.</p><p>But Ford is no longer making Crown Victorias, and police agencies are now considering other options for patrol cars.</p><p>The tires were slashed sometime between 3:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., authorities have said. Police had no suspects as of Friday afternoon and had not determined if one person or a group slashed the tires. </p><p>Investigators are still analyzing evidence taken from the scene, including fingerprints, authorities said. The portion of the lot where the SUVs were parked had no camera, but police are also examining video footage from other parts of the lot.</p><p>“The Crown Vic has been the standard since the 1950s,” Silverii said. </p><p>The black Tahoes cost $25,243 each and were purchased through a state contract with Gerry Lane Chevrolet in Baton Rouge, Silverii said. The department is seeking to purchase new tires from local dealerships. </p><p>The estimated replacement cost for the tires is $4,117. The SUVs will be deployed once the tires are replaced, but a firm date has not been established.</p><p>Companies offer “police packages” for cars intended to be used as cruisers, said detective Ricky Ross, the department's spokesman. </p><p>“It's made to run a lot and handle well,” he said of the Tahoe. “It's easy to install lights, the suspension is different and the cooling system is heavier.”</p><p>Silverii said the added storage room is a major attraction.</p><p>“For 12 hours a day, it's their workspace,” he said. “It gives these guys more space.”</p><p>State Police are also using Tahoes. </p><p>“We are outgrowing cars,” said Master Trooper Bryan Zeringue, spokesman for Troop C. “We have started putting computers, printers, plus the gear we have to carry in cars. You need that extra room.”</p><p>Silverii said some of the cruisers in the department's 34-car fleet have more than 100,000 miles on them. </p><p>Cruisers “are the workhorse of the police department,” he said. “We made a commitment to refurbish the fleet. Our hope is that these will help bring us up to par.”</p><p>Once caught, the vandals face a charge of criminal damage to property and jail time of up to two years.</p><p>Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-743-7433 or Sgt. Bradley Trosclair at 446-5021.</p><p>Staff Writer Nate Monroe can be reached at 448-7639 or at nate.monroe@dailycomet.com.</p>